Mangaluru: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) orchestrated a demonstration in the city on Monday, marking the initiation of its state-wide protest. The protest aimed to compel both state and central governments to provide compensation to farmers affected by crop loss resulting from severe drought conditions, reported The Times Of India
Speaking during the demonstration in front of Mini Vidhana Soudha, AAP district president BK Vishukumar asserted, “The state government should promptly transfer crop loss compensation to farmers’ accounts without any justifiable delay. Failure to do so will lead to an intensified struggle in the days ahead.”
Vishukumar highlighted the grim agricultural scenario, stating, “Out of the 236 taluks in Karnataka, 223 have been designated as drought-prone areas, with 196 classified as severely drought-prone. The damage extends to more than 48 lakh hectares of agricultural and horticultural crops, valued at an estimated Rs 35,162 crore.”
“A 10-member study team from the centre has failed to convince people. The Rs 5,495 crore special grant recommended by the 15th Finance Commission for Karnataka has been rejected by Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who was elected to the Rajya Sabha from Karnataka,” he added.
Addressing the urgency of the situation, he said, “We have brought all these issues to the attention of the chief minister, urging swift action. Failing prompt redressal, the struggle will witness heightened intensity in the upcoming days,” warned Vishukumar.
In attendance at the protest were AAP district general secretary Khalandar Elimale, organizing secretaries Shannon Pinto and Janardana Bangera, along with district women’s unit chairperson Vidya Rakesh. Subsequently, the AAP representatives submitted a memorandum to DC Mullai Muhilan MP.
